Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray: Keys to Victory for Men's Australian Open Final
The men's final at the 2015 Australian Open is set, and the matchup has rendered spectacular results in the past.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have had memorable meetings in their 23-match series. Tennis fans can only hope there is another classic on the way Sunday.
As ESPN's SportsCenter Twitter feed points out, Djokovic has fared much better in Melbourne than Murray has:
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
The ATP World Tour provides comments from Djokovic, who spoke about the rivalry:
"The fact is we know each other since we were 11, 12 and there is only a week difference between us [in age]. We have very similar games and very similar roles to professional tennis. I think that's what makes it very special.
"
Djokovic has the edge with 15 head-to-head wins. He's won four straight, with Murray's last victory coming in his 2013 Wimbledon triumph.
Here are the keys for Djokovic and Murray.
Djokovic
Maintain Focus
This match figures to be a long one. Four of the six times Djokovic has met Murray at a Grand Slam tournament, the match has gone at least four sets.
In marathon matches, oftentimes the player who wins is the one who can remain focused and intense. In the past, Djokovic has been excellent in long battles. In fact, Djokovic has won three of the four four-set-plus matches against Murray.
In his semifinal battle with Stan Wawrinka, Djokovic didn't exactly look rock solid throughout the five-set battle. There were times when he looked preoccupied. As ATP World Tour recounted in the Facebook post below, Djokovic didn't even realize he had won the third set.
He can't have mental lapses against Murray on Sunday.
Attack Murray's 2nd Serve
In the last meeting, Murray only made good on 50 percent of his first serves. Djokovic took full advantage of his opponent's ineffective service game and dominated Murray's second attempts. He won 58 percent of the points off Murray's second serve.
When Djokovic gets those opportunities on Sunday, he must be just as ferocious. This will put tons of pressure on Murray to serve cleanly, which could make him less aggressive or more prone to errors on his first serve.
Either way, it's a good thing for Djokovic.
Murray
Mix in Volley and Baseline Work
Simply trying to be patient and playing from the baseline won't be enough to win. Murray has to take some chances, and those gambles should come at the net.
He has to get Djokovic guessing about how to cover the court. If Murray rests as a baseline player, Djokovic's great range will allow him to get comfortable, and he'll ultimately wear Murray down. Nick Bollettieri of The Guardian agrees:
"I don’t know if Murray can just win battling it out from the baseline because although it’s good to be patient, Djokovic can rally all day. He is comfortable at the net, he’s got a good basic volley, he’s got a good foundation, he moves in close and he’s got great forward foot speed – he’s got great speed in every direction.
"
Djokovic is good at the net as well, but if Murray can claim the real estate first, he can have success.
Serve Like a Champ
The serve is key in this match for Murray. If he has a rhythm early, it'll not only grab Djokovic's attention, but it will also add to Murray's confidence level.
The magic numbers will be 60 percent on first serves and five aces. Anything less for Murray could lead to a loss. In every win Murray has had over Djokovic since 2009 (besides a 2011 triumph in which Djokovic retired in the second set), he's had a first-serve percentage of at least 59 and at least five aces.
If Murray is going to pull off another win over his rival, he has to make Djokovic respect his service game.
Match stats per ATPWorldTour.com.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
